DIY Kitchen Coffee Lounge

It was 1979 and I was 10 when I shared my bedroom with my 2 older sisters. Once in a while my brother moved in, too 😯 . We each had our own little nook to do what we wanted. My nook was neat, organized, fully decorated top to bottom (not joking). My sister’s nooks…not so much. Sometimes when they were out I would sneak over to their nook and fix it up. I would make their bed, re-organize their bedside table…sometimes I would even move our beds around. Yah…it was crazy. I mean, who does that at 10 years old? The thing is, I’m still doing it and I’m 47. Only now, I give the nooks titles and write about them. My current nook is called…my “DIY Kitchen Coffee Lounge” and I’m leaving my sister’s beds behind and sharing it with you today!

I also happen to be joining some talented blog friends for an organizational blog hop. I’m an organized freak, so when they asked, I jumped. Only this time…what I’m sharing may be a little bit different than your usual organizing project. You see, it’s all about organizing FURNITURE so it’s more functional for your family’s needs.

(Don’t forget to visit all participants at the bottom of this post.)

What it came down to, is that I grew tired of the kitchen table taking up the prime location in our kitchen next to the fireplace. I mean seriously, this is the hottest spot in the house and I mean that in more ways than one. Although we love the table and worked very hard refinishing that table top last Summer, we needed a change. It’s really hard to sit and get comfortable in front of the fire at a table, you know?

Here it is BEFORE.

I mean, this is where it all happens. We cook, bake, burn turkeys, eat, work, watch movies, read, talk, relax, play Monopoly, play with our cat, argue, cry, talk on the phone, laugh, have family meetings, do homework, drink wine coffee, all in this spot. There was one problem, though. That damn table was in the way.

So, we moved it.

Into the living room.

Ahhhh…once it was there, I knew it was a great fit. I love how the windows show off the shape of the farm legs and we can eat while looking out at the lake.

Okay, so now I had to figure out where to put my leather sectional that use to be there. The tree was up during this fiasco too, so that made it a bit weird, but we got through it.

We slid that baby into the kitchen faster than Santa could say “Give me a cookie lady.”

What do you think? Take look…have a muffin.

Here it is AFTER.

The kids were ecstatic. Jumping on the sofa, singing Christmas tunes, it all seemed so perfect. Why the heck didn’t I do this before? Honestly, I think we are all just so wired to think that we need to follow certain rules with furniture placement. This is proof that we do NOT.

Then I got to thinking even more. This seemed more like a “Coffee Lounge” to me. My husband & daughters drink ALOT of coffee and the coziness of it all just makes me feel like I’m in a coffee lounge.

All it needed was a cool COFFEE sign, so I looked on Etsy and found this amazing family operated company called Ragdoll Annie’s. The price was right for a custom sized farmhouse style coffee sign and Ann was extremely helpful with all of it. The sign was shipped quickly and is beautifully crafted. In fact I’m going to order another sign, soon. So, if you need a custom sign, or want to shop their’s, I would check them out.

Our rustic industrial coffee table fit in beautifully because it is large enough for us all to eat here, and the kids can do homework, and I can even blog. The table also cranks upward so it’s not so low. If interested you can find this table here: Industrial Adjustable Coffee Table.

Here’s the table now. If you look closely, you’ll notice little imperfections in the top of the table. Love those little touches. Oh, and I also brought the rug in for more coziness. You can find this blue rug on-line HERE.

This is absolutely everyone’s favorite spot in the house. The heart of the home is BOOM, right here.

You can see here how we hooked our light fixture chain up to the ceiling so we didn’t bump our heads on it. Here’s a similar light fixture I found if you’re interested: Rustic Iron Light Fixture.

That’s really all I had to do to transform this space. Good bye big bulky hard table, hello soft cushion-y sofa.

I should note: the one thing that bugs me is when my teens go over the back side of the sectional. Kind of like they are getting into a convertable 😎 .

Oh wait…don’t go yet. You want some coffee? Check out how I organized up a little coffee station under the coffee sign. Oh wait, that was before.

Here it is now with the coffee station…

Let me whip a pot up in this Ninja Coffee Bar I gave my husband for Christmas. He says it makes the best coffee he ever had. Even better than Starbuck’s. It can make cold coffee drinks, too. It’s pretty cool and blows our Keurig out of the hot tea water. Here’s where I found it: Ninja Coffee Bar (it has great reviews).

Just by chance, my sister in law just opened up her own coffee cafe and roasts her own coffee beans. We order it on -line because we are in Michigan, and she is in NY. You should definitely try her coffee. We grind our coffee beans fresh using this coffee grinder.

So yes, organizing furniture is a thing. Don’t let anyone tell you where you should put what when it comes to your home & furniture. You know your home better than anyone, and you are the one that lives there. Place your furniture how it suites you and your family the best. Don’t be afraid to think outside the room. If you need help with that, just let me know HERE.

What a wonderful spot – close to the kitchen so when you (or who ever is cooking) can still be involved and in front of that fireplace…..what’s not to love. My daughter turned us on to Nespresso coffee machines. It makes the best espresso or lattes or iced coffees or whatever makes you happy.

Julie,
You are such an Inspiration. Although Its just my little boy Josh, Mr. Oliver, the Persian kitty your ideas and swaps are great! I live in an older home in NYC and can do all the repairs at once. I ve learned that with the your great ideas, and swaps I get compliments on the decor and furnishings never having to stress what people think about these old walls. I truly couldn’t do it without you.
Thank you
Agent 007

Without a doubt the most brilliant move ever! Our kitchen and family are run together so we sort of have the same vibe. If I am in the kitchen cooking the family is right there to converse in the FM. I absolutely LOVE this Julie. I love coffee too btw.

I love it and wish I could still switch things around. I used to do this seasonally and my husband quietly over the years replaced our furniture so I couldn’t do it anymore. It is too big and bulky. I will live vicariously through you! Oh, one squirrel caught and released somewhere else, two to go then we can fix the hole they chewed their way in.

I really enjoyed this post. That’s was you call thinking outside of the box.
I love coffee ☕️ and my sectional. I wish I could do this. No room to swap but I’ve been thinking about removing my window seat and putting in a sette. Guess who just gave me the push and courage I needed..love love love your blog.

Oh my gosh, I love this so much! I need this in my space! Crud, i need new furniture now ;). I got the Ninja coffee bar for Christmas and I agree, it makes fantastic coffee. I am also wasting less coffee when it is just me at home (hubby drinks the office coffee during the week).

Hi Julie! ~ Sorry I am a week late from commenting on this blog, didn’t have internet access this last week & I missed seeing your creativity! ~ I think we all agree your dining room/couch area is fantastic! Sucha warm & cozy spot to lounge & have fun with family & friends! ~ My family are hot tea drinkers in the winter, but your charming sign ties it all together ~ Café Ole’!

Oh you never have to apologize!! I have a confession. 2 really. I don’t drink coffee because the caffein gets to me for some reason, even in decaf. I drink decaffeinated Earl Grey like a mad woman. Just finished my morning jug! 😉

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